Understanding Child Sexual Exploitation in Youth with Learning Disabilities
This content delves into the vulnerability of children with learning disabilities to child sexual exploitation (CSE), discussing definitions, awareness-raising, and good practices. It highlights the increased risks faced by these individuals and aims to enhance responses to safeguard their well-being effectively.
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Presentation Transcript
Unprotected, overprotected: Meeting the needs of children with Learning Disabilities who Experience, or are at Risk of Child Sexual Exploitation
To raise awareness about the additional vulnerability of young people with learning disabilities to CSE To improve our response to children with learning disabilities who experience, or are at risk, of child sexual exploitation To share local good practice examples of working with young people with learning disabilities
Setting the scene: Definitions of key concepts Introduction to CSE & LD (includes Bradford CSE Hub) Table top activity: Why are children and young people with learning disabilities more vulnerable to CSE? Table top activity: Case studies 10 minute comfort break Showcasing good practice Table top activity: Helping Hands Feedback forms Stalls and networking
Definition of learning disabilities Definition of learning disabilities Learning disability meets three criteria: a significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information, to learn new skills (impaired intelligence), with; a reduced ability to cope independently ( impaired social functioning); which started before adulthood, WITH A LASTING EFFECT ON DEVELOPMENT. (Development of Health, 2001) A learning disability is a reduced intellectual disability and difficulty with everyday activities for example household tasks, socialising or managing money which affects someone for their whole life) (www.mencap.org.uk/definition).
DEFINITION OF CSE DEFINITION OF CSE Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology. (The Department for Education February 2017)
Models of Child Sexual Exploitation Street Grooming/peer on peer Boyfriend model Party model Internet grooming Organised/networked sexual exploitation or trafficking
Vulnerability Factors Family conflict Lack of love/security Adult Sex working Abuse/neglect in family Mental health Breaks in adult relationships Death of a significant person Violence/domestic abuse Looked after Children Migrant/refuges/asylum seekers Homelessness Substance misuse Learning disabilities Financially unsupported
PUSH FACTORS Missing episodes Difficult family relationships Disengaged from education Looked After Children Drug/alcohol use Offending behaviour Lack of friends/peer relationships Bullying Living with Domestic Violence Mental Health issues History of abuse Homeless/sofa surfing Peer violence Older sibling involved in CSE Associating with older adults
PULL FACTORS Receiving affection Riding around in cars (adventures) Being taken to adult venues Being part of gang (belonging) Receiving gifts Being offered somewhere to stay, where there are no rules. Risky situations (encouraged by the abuser)
Stages of Grooming Process Targeting stage Friendship forming stage Loving relationship stage Abusive relationship stage
Child exploitation and digital technologies
Bradford Child Sexual Exploitation Hub Partnership approach ( partners who contribute towards the CSE Hub) Childrens Social Care Police Barnardo s Turnaround Health Placement Support Service Childrens Society Hand In Hand Blast Education
Bradford Child Sexual Exploitation Hub Roles and responsibilities of the Hub Partner agencies meet every morning to discuss information/intelligence/referrals from the previous 24 hours Identifying children at risk New referrals Sharing Intelligence Review actions from the previous day Developing agreed action plans The focus of the meeting is the safety and protection of children Training and awareness raising
Bradford Child Sexual Exploitation Hub Roles and responsibilities of the Hub CSC assessments, supporting staff working with YP at risk of CSE, CSE planning meetings Police Investigation and Disruption Turnaround ( Blast, Hand In Hand & PSS) Direct work with YP to increase their knowledge and understanding of CSE and risk in order to keep themselves safe Health- HNA, direct work with YP around all health issues, supporting health staff and other agencies around health issues
Bradford Child Sexual Exploitation Hub Roles and responsibilities of the Hub Joint investigations by Police & CSC Multi agency response to all YP at risk of CSE and to ensure there is a clear plan in place for each child Empower and support children and YP through the criminal justice system Supporting research into CSE Relationship building with YP to encourage them to engage with services Helping YP realise they are victims of abuse Police disruption perpetrators/areas/venues Barnardos Night Time economy project
Bradford Child Sexual Exploitation Hub Referral Process If a child is at immediate risk of harm referrer needs to contact Children's Social Care s Initial Contact Point for action to be taken to safeguard the child. Child Sexual Exploitation Risk Assessment Information Form This child sexual exploitation (CSE) risk assessment information form should be completed prior to, and alongside the Child Sexual Exploitation Risk Assessment. All of the following information is required when there are concerns regarding a child being at risk of /or experiencing CSE. Named worker leading on the Risk Assessment Line manager /designated CP lead of named worker Child s full name (+ aliases) D.O.B. Age If there are concerns that a child may be at risk of sexual exploitation then a CSE Risk Assessment referral should be sent to Children's Social Care Initial Contact Point - cyp-cicp@bradford.gov.uk or phone 01274 437500. The referral will then be sent direct to the CSE Hub. Date Contact Details Contact details Date Home Address and contact number Participated Y N Emergency contact Gender Ethnicity Details of Primary Carer First language M / F Placement Address and contact number (if applicable) Legal Status Foster Care Adopted Reference / I.D Number (if applicable) CPP Status : Previous Y / N Y / N Current Disability Religion GP Details & contact number Sexual orientation Y / N Type of Form If you are unsure you can contact the CSE Hub on 01274 435049 Is the Child or Young Person missing? Known to Police Known to YOS Known to CAMHS Initial /Review Y / N Y / N Y / N Y / N Please provide any other relevant details *Such as professional relationships Referrer will be contacted and informed of the outcomes and actions recommended from the CSE Hub.
Bradford Child Sexual Exploitation Hub CSE Information Report
Bradford Child Sexual Exploitation Hub Children at Risk of Sexual Exploitation managing a concern process Concerns identified of a child or young person who may be at risk of CSE/Contact Point, contact 01274 437500 Child is assessed to be in imminent risk and crime has been committed. Immediate contact made to Children s Social Care Contact Point, Police or Emergency Duty Team. CSE Risk Assessment completed and sent to Contact Point within 24 hours childrens.enquiries@bradford.gcsx.gov.uk childrens.enquiries@bradford.gcsx.gov.uk Morning briefing: CSE Hub Manager, Police Inspector, Multi- Agency Risk Assessment discussed and actions agreed. Risk Assessment received at the CSE Hub Young Person may be at risk OR immediate risk of Safeguarding concerns from Child Sexual Exploitation At risk of significant harm from Child Sexual Exploitation No risk identified Category 3 High Risk Category 1 Low Risk Category 2 Medium Risk No assessed risk of CSE. Referral to other universal services Contact only Children s Social Care: no further action Feedback to referrer A vulnerable child who is at risk of being targeted and groomed for sexual exploitation. Referral to specialist CSE services to undertake direct and preventative work. Contact only Children s Social Care: no further action Feedback to referrer A child who is being targeted for Child Sexual abuse. Duty Social Work review undertaken: in the event of thresholds for Children s Social Care involvement not being met. In the event of thresholds of concerns being met: Feedback to referrer A child whose sexual exploitation is habitual and is judged to be at immediate and/or continuing risk. In the event of case not open to Children s Social Care, referral to the IAT for Section 47 to commence: Strategy discussion with Police to plan Section 47 Outcomes Decisions made whether legal action or ICPC or further exploration or Child in Need Liaison with the Police Feedback to referrer Emergency Protection Action Child may need to be removed to a safe place within usual legal practices. Referral to Children s Social Care: allocation for further assessment Child e
Bradford Child Sexual Exploitation Hub Overall Assessed Level of CSE Risk Whilst there may be concerns for the welfare of the child /young person, which may involve the requirement of service provision, for other assessed risks, the assessment or risk indicates that there is no current risk of the child /young person being at risk of, or experiencing sexual exploitation. No risk The indicators and assessment raise some concerns that the child /young person is at risk of sexual exploitation, and /or places him /or herself at risk. Concern that the child / young person is at risk of being targeted or groomed, but there are positive protective factors in the child /young person life. Low Risk The assessment indicates that the child /young person is vulnerable to being sexually exploited / but that there are no immediate /urgent safeguarding concerns. There is evidence the child /young person may be a risk of opportunistic abuse, or is being targeted /groomed. Medium Risk The child /young person may experience protective factors, but circumstances and /or behaviours place him / her at risk of sexual exploitation. Indicators /Assessment /Evidence /disclosure, suggests that the child /young person is assessed to be engaged in high risk situations / relationships /risk taking behaviour and is at immediate risk of, or is experiencing sexual exploitation. (They may not recognise this) Highest Risk
Bradford Child Sexual Exploitation Hub Telephone Contact numbers Childrens Contact point 01274 437500 CSE Hub 01274 435049 Emergency Duty Team 01274 431010 Turnaround (BFD) 01274 434222 Hand in Hand (Keighley) 01535 606868 Blast 0113 2444209 (www.mesmac.co.uk/blast) PACE 0113 240 3040 (www.paceuk.info/support-for-parents/)
Bradford Child Sexual Exploitation Hub ? Any questions
Q. Why are children and young people with learning disabilities more vulnerable to CSE?
Young people with learning disabilities are a perpetrators dream they re often lonely and isolated. Many of them have not had a boyfriend or girlfriend but would like one. Many spend a lot of time online. They are less likely to understand that sexual exploitation is wrong and are so easy to groom. CSE specialist practitioner.
Over-protection and infantilisation= unprotected Social isolation Lack of empowerment and voice A lack of access to information and education on sex and relationships False perception around sexuality and disability Lack of knowledge and awareness of the sexual exploitation of children with learning disabilities amongst professionals and general public. General absence of CSE and learning disability training for professionals. Invisibility of children with learning disabilities within services
Specialist School Nurses Team RSE Co-ordinator High Park School Sexual Health Team Bradford & Keighley Youth Services Specialist Inclusion Service Turnaround
Tina Wildy Nurse Specialist Special Needs Wendy Yates RSE Co-ordinator High Park School Nicola Hawkins - Sexual Health Team
Setting up the steering group Education and Health collaboration 2010 Sharing information with Barnados Develop the training package UR Choice Plus: Change videos, Life model photos, Boardmaker access in Libraries, finding resources etc. Delivering Training days to school, respite and parents. Programme developed and evolved to current day RSE Additional Needs Training and Resources
Key areas of learning for pupils with Additional Needs Our bodies This is me: self-awareness and gender Relationships circles of Touch Friendships circles of Touch, sharing, permission and consent personal/interpersonal boundaries (greetings, touch circles) Public and private (places, actions, language and body parts) Staying safe assertiveness, self-advocacy, control over own body Feeling good and taking care of ourselves self-care, health and hygiene, emotional wellbeing Puberty (growth, body changes, wet dreams, erections, menstruation) Appropriate touch/behaviour for Public and Private spaces and places
What are the barriers? The young person s physical development does not match their level of understanding or their personal view of their development. Getting support from parents and carers Difficulties with understanding consent, social norms and relationships Accessible resources that help to explain these abstract concepts.
provide an overview of the essential areas that students need to know and be taught to keep safe. use the Resource CD from the RSE Additional Needs Program and other appropriate sources Experience some of the resources and activities and assess their suitability for use with your students. Developing staff understanding and skills in managing inappropriate sexualised touch behaviours reasons and strategies within a safeguarding framework.
Working with young people with Learning difficulties on CSE issues
Youth Clubs Youth Cafes Detached and Outreach One to One work Vulnerable/ child in need / Buddies caseloads Schools work Partnership projects Communities of interest/specialist groups
Arts/Drama Music Sports/ outdoors Group work Games/ puppets Workshops Social Media Events One to one conversation
We have projects in each constituency and so far have covered issues such as Personal space Touch and appropriateness Healthy relationships Internet safety Friendships & safe people Sexuality
The recourses we have used so far have been collated from Barnardo s / Turnaround NHS Trust Going Further- Sex and relationships Education Course Bradford Council CEOP Child net international Many Thanks
Q. What would help practitioners to support and respond to children with learning disabilities who experience, or are at risk, of child sexual exploitation
Summary Feedback forms Networking
